Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

The Warden's House

Riverfront safari lodge near Yala National Park

Drone view of a house with solar panels and a blue pool surrounded by a vast green forest.

Boutique riverside lodge with wildlife drives and temple excursions

The Warden’s House stands directly alongside the Menik River, a waterway that threads through Sri Lanka’s dry zone and supports riparian forest and grassland habitats. At the lodge’s edge, Sri Lankan grey hornbills, junglefowl and brown-capped babblers forage in the tree canopy. And the river beckons for bird-spotting in the forest.

The lodge has four suites named after Sri Lanka’s most renowned national parks and landscapes: Yala, Kumana, Wilpattu and Horton Plains. Each is individually decorated with antique furnishings and vintage photography. We especially love the subtle theme of local birdlife woven throughout the interiors.

The Warden’s House is a great base for exploring Yala National Park and the surrounding towns. In Block 5 of the park, morning and afternoon game drives take you through dry-zone forests, grasslands and rocky outcrops in search of leopards, elephants and sambar deer. The nearby town of Kataragama is home to two temples – Kiri Vehera Temple and Kataragama Davalaya Shrine – where the Kataragama Perahera festival is celebrated in July and August in honour of the Hindu god of war and wisdom, Skanda.

We especially recommend visiting Sithulpawwa Monastery perched atop an escarpment. Here you’ll see rock-hewn caves and ancient paintings dating back to the 2nd century BCE, attributed to King Kavan Tissa.

Highlights

Stay in one of four suites named after Sri Lanka’s national parks: Yala, Kumana, Wilpattu and Horton Plains

Take a private guided game drive into Yala National Park to see leopards, elephants and sambar deer

Spot Sri Lankan grey hornbill and junglefowl along the Menik River

Explore the cultural sites of Kataragama, including Kiri Vehera Temple and Kataragama Davalaya Shrine

Climb to Sithulpawwa Monastery for panoramic views over Yala’s plains and ancient Buddhist cave art

Afternoon tea stand with pastries and sandwiches on a small table next to ceramic mugs of tea.

Two people in white outfits walking along a dirt trail through green bushes under a blue sky.

Modern bathroom featuring a glass shower, white toilet, and wooden accents with white robes hanging.

Spacious living area with high ceilings, dark wood furniture, and lanterns leading to an outdoor pool.

Close-up of cupped hands holding a pile of small, brown harvested grains outdoors.

Large villa with a glowing blue swimming pool at night, surrounded by lush green lawn and trees.

Elegant bedroom with a white canopy bed, wooden desk, and large windows under a beamed ceiling.

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Places to combine The Warden's House with

Galle

Amangalla

Built in 1684 and converted into a hotel in 1863, the Amangalla is a beautiful historic property with plenty of old-world charm.

The hotel features 30 rooms and suites, all with high ceilings, original Burmese teak floors and large windows that look out over the gardens, the harbour or the

Extending the length of the hotel on the ground floor is a beautiful verandah with colourful floor tiles and palm trees. Here you can enjoy afternoon tea or a refreshing drink as you sit and watch the world go by. Step inside and you’ll find yourself in the Great Hall with its lofty ceilings, period lighting and overhead fans. The dining room sits at one end, an elegant space with crisp white linen and antique silverwear. Here you can enjoy traditional Sri Lankan dishes centred around what the chef finds that day in the local markets.

At the other end of the hall is the lounge, the perfect place to enjoy a cup of Ceylon tea or an evening cocktail. There is also a library with a range of books on the history, culture and arts of Sri Lanka.

Relax and unwind at the spa which features hot and cold plunge pools and a sauna, as well as treatment rooms where you can enjoy traditional Sri Lankan therapies. Take a dip in the refreshing waters of the outdoor pool, surrounded by the lush greenery of the garden or enjoy a morning yoga class in the yoga pavilion to set yourself up for a day of exploring.

Tea Country

Thotalagala

Venture into the lush heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country and surround yourself in old-world luxury at Thotalagala, a carefully restored planters bungalow which dates back to the 19^th century.

Each of the seven suites is inspired by prominent role-players in the tea-growing region’s history. Situated on Pitaratmalie Estate, the hotel offers easy access to all tea country has to offer, including Dambatenne where Sir Thomas Lipton lived in the late 1800s.

Décor is elegantly refined, with antique furniture complemented by carefully-chosen artworks. Enjoy a cigar or after-dinner drink in the lavish cigar room, indulge in a sumptuous tea out on the lawns or allow the chef to treat you to a feast of plantation-inspired cuisine in the dining room. For an extra special Thotalagala dining experience enjoy perfectly barbecued meat beneath the stars, while sipping a fine wine from the cellar.

As this is a working estate, guests are welcome to explore the gardens and fields, learning about how tea is produced. Immerse yourself in the history of the area and keep a look-out for memorabilia from the region’s colonial past.

Colombo

Uga Residence

Located close to the lakeside Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, Residence by Uga Escapes is one of the finest boutique hotels in Colombo.

The grand Victorian townhouse was built in the 19th century, its halls and expansive gardens once entertaining British governors, Indian maharajas and European nobility.

Today, its 11 unique luxury suites are a calm and secluded oasis despite its central location. The style is elegant, contemporary and comfortable, with numerous hints of its rich heritage.

This urban retreat also has a wonderful swimming pool, private courtyards, a gourmet restaurant, bar and gym within its walls.

Cultural Triangle

Vil Uyana

With a strong focus on the environment and eco-friendly practices, Jetwing Vil Uyana is inspired by the reclaimed agricultural land on which it is built. Make yourself at home in a luxurious waterside suite and gaze out through the reeds towards paddy fields and forests.

The hotel is built on a man-made wetland system, making for a beautifully tranquil escape from city life. The 36 rooms are spacious and stylish, with a focus on materials that blend in with the surroundings, and bold splashes of accent colour. With a serene rural atmosphere, the rooms offer modern conveniences to ensure the utmost comfort of guests.

Whether you are in the mood for a light meal, a refreshing cocktail or Eastern and Western dishes, there are a variety of choices at Vil Uyana. For an exceptional evening, book a private spa dining experience, or select one of the other signature dining options. Whatever you choose, the backdrop will be as inspiring as the food.

Focus on your overall well-being and take advantage of the therapeutic and traditional treatments at the Jetwing Vil Uyana Spa.